Like many avid home cooks, I have an ever-growing collection of cookbooks, and firmly believe that a great cookbook is just as absorbing to read as a great novel. Despite my immersion in recipes, however, my favorite way to cook is to see what’s in the fridge and wing it.
I used to be an art director, and before that was an art major in college. When I was painting or designing, on the best days I’d lose myself in the moment. Cooking can be like that too, when you’re so lost in the flavors, the chopping and mixing, and above all the creating, that it becomes a form of meditation, exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. That’s the element of cooking I hope to share with you.
I live with my husband, teenage son and dogs in rural Wisconsin. Husband (Tom) and son (Luke) are talented cooks; the dogs (Cleo and Libby) not so much. But they’re young yet.
All the photographs in this blog are my own creations. I’m a neophyte in the world of food photography (as if you couldn’t tell), but I still claim blushing ownership of the pix you see here. If you want to reprint them (I can’t imagine why), please let me know and give credit, if for no other reason than to pass on the blame.
I’m also new to the blogosphere, and would love your feedback. I’ll be tweaking the site as time goes on. Do you want to hear tips about writing a cookbook? More recipes in a certain area? Let me know, and I’ll see what I can do.
If you’re writing a cookbook of your own and you need expert editorial services, I’m available. there’s more information on my editing website: http://www.rivertreedit.com. Drop me a line and we’ll come up with an estimate. And if you’re an agent or publisher looking for the Next Great Cookbook, have I got the manuscript for you.
I’m also on Facebook, at Rivertreekitchen blog, and on Twitter: @nancymrivertree.
Rivertree kitchen 
Hi Nancy,
This is Susan Smith from Allied. I LOVE your new blog! Daisy sent it around and I am just getting to all my emails I waited to look at until I had time. Can I sign up for regular posts? I will look on the site and find out. It is GREAT! I will send it to friends. So nice to see you are happy. We have 2 boys. One is in college in LA and one is a junior. Is your son a senior? College is looming again! Let me know how you are doing and great job on the site. It is fabulous – and very well written. Thanks!
Best,
Susan
Thanks for your comment on my blog! Where in Wisconsin do you live? I am from there and am moving back soon!
How nice to chat with another blogger! I live in a small town about 40 miles east of Appleton. Where are you headed?
I too am a busy working mom. I wake early, and arvrie home late. So weeknights are often quick and easy meals. I love to bake and cook. I enjoy my cook book collection greatly. My blog topic would be: How to have a Sunday sit down meal w/o the chaos and craziness of the weekdays. How to perhaps have enough meal for Monday night leftovers. Especially with school starting up shortly and my work schedule back in full swing with the Holidays quickly approaching .(I know, its still summer-but in the retail world we are months ahead of schedule). Thank you Blue Jean Chef ..
Hi Nancy
I love your cooking style, the way you let fresh ingredients assert themselves.
So after making my first rhubarb pie, (wow!) Husband said “best thing I ever ate”. I’m wondering if you have ever used it for anything beside dessert?
Bethany, you asked about a savory rhubarb recipe a few weeks ago. I just found this one at One Perfect Bite (http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com) for country ribs with rhubarb barbecue sauce that sounds delicious; I thought you might be interested.
Hi Nancy, I love your web site! it looks great, clean, very easy to read, your style of writing really appeals to me and I’ll be showing my wife too as I know she’ll be extremely tempted by some of the dishes. The photo’s make the finished articles look perfect too! Keep up the great cooking and blogging!
Thanks, Mark Bathurst
Ps. I’m on twitter @MarkBathurst and @Cajuzi if you are too?
Hi Nancy, I posted a reply to your question about Haloumi cheese on my blog. Thanks so much for your visit and please come again soon. Monte
I was more than happy to search out this web-site.I wished to thanks in your time for this wonderful read!! I undoubtedly enjoying each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
Hi Nancy: Love your blog! I am a stay-at-home mom with experience as a copy editor and lawyer. I am finding it difficult to find work as an editor or proofreader after taking about a five year break to focus on my family. Would be willing to share any advice or words of wisdom on how you were able to gain work editing cookbooks? I, too, love to cook and devour cookbooks as if they are novels. Pairing my love of cooking with my love of words would be my ideal job. Any advice on how to get started or where to look? My email address is bishopalice70@gmail.com. I’m also on linkedin. Thanks so much, Alice Bishop
hai there Nancy
lucky me to find out your blog…
i like your recipes and photograph!
keep sharing and inspiring!
hai there
lucky me to find out your blog…
i like your recipes and photograph!
keep sharing and inspiring!
Hi Nancy,
I am the student who emailed you about Carla Hall Petite Cookies. I am not sure if my email went through, but I was wondering if you would be willing to answer a few questions for my masters capstone thesis research on gourmet cookies. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Christine
P.S. My apologies, my browser sent that last msg before I was done editing. 😉
Christine, I’m so sorry for the delay. I’d love to chat with you if it’s not too late.
Hi Nancy!
Your willingness to help me with my research really made my day. Thank you. 🙂 I just sent you an email. If you didn’t get it, could you please email me so we can set up a good time for an info interview and I can give you my number?
I look forward to talking with you. Thanks again!
Best,
Christine